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Melbourne Storm full-back Billy Slater is optimistic he will be fit to face Leeds in the World Club Challenge showdown

Melbourne Storm full-back Billy Slater is optimistic he will be fit for the World Club Challenge clash against Leeds.

Last Updated: 23/01/13 8:09pm

Billy Slater: Injury problems

Slater's participation in the match had been in doubt after he pulled out of the NRL All Stars match following recent injury problems.

The former Golden Boot winner aggravated an ankle injury after he returned to training following the removal of a plate in his shoulder from an injury sustained in the 2011 Four Nations Series clash with England at Wembley.

"I had a plate out of my collarbone at the end of last year and also rolled my ankle in my first week back at training," Slater said.

"It's kept me off my legs and kept me out of a bit of training over the last couple of months.

"To play to the standard the All Star game requires, you need to have a particular amount of training under your belt and I just don't have that at the moment.

"But I'm pretty confident I will be right to go for the World Club Challenge.

"That will give me a couple extra weeks up my sleeve so I'll be able to get some volume into my running and legs. Hopefully I'll be right for the game."